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Nigerians Are Less Concerned About ₦1000 Petrol Due to Better Power Supply – Adelabu Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu has stated that Nigerians are not as vocal about the recent rise in petrol prices, now over ₦1000 per litre, thanks to improved electricity supply. Speaking in Abuja on October 15, Adelabu explained that the need for petrol to fuel generators has diminished as a result of more consistent power availability. This comes after the NNPCL raised the pump price of petrol from ₦868 to ₦968 per litre in Lagos, and even higher in other areas. This significant increase has led to a surge in transportation and food costs across the country. Adelabu remarked, “People no longer need to buy petrol as frequently for power generation, which is why the public outcry isn’t louder. If they had to buy petrol at ₦1000 per litre for their generators, we would hear much more discontent.” He also mentioned plans to align with Lagos State’s initiative to replace one million generators within a year, emphasizing the need for transition away from generator reliance. The minister did express concern over Nigeria’s historical struggles with power generation, noting that only 2,000 megawatts have been added to the national grid in the past 40 years, since 1984. “With a population exceeding 200 million, celebrating a 5,000 MW milestone is sobering,” he said. “It took us nearly four decades to achieve this progress from our previous benchmark. When we took office, we had 4,000 MW, and we’ve now increased it to an average of 5,000 MW, peaking at 5,527 MW on September 3. However, we remain undeterred. If the last significant advancement was 50 years ago, the next one must begin now, and we need to take action.”

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 17th, 2024.

Nigerians Are Less Concerned About ₦1000 Petrol Due to Better Power Supply – Adelabu

Adebayo Adelabu

Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu has stated that Nigerians are not as vocal about the recent rise in petrol prices, now over ₦1000 per litre, thanks to improved electricity supply.

Speaking in Abuja on October 15, Adelabu explained that the need for petrol to fuel generators has diminished as a result of more consistent power availability. This comes after the NNPCL raised the pump price of petrol from ₦868 to ₦968 per litre in Lagos, and even higher in other areas. This significant increase has led to a surge in transportation and food costs across the country.

Adelabu remarked, “People no longer need to buy petrol as frequently for power generation, which is why the public outcry isn’t louder. If they had to buy petrol at ₦1000 per litre for their generators, we would hear much more discontent.”

He also mentioned plans to align with Lagos State’s initiative to replace one million generators within a year, emphasizing the need for transition away from generator reliance.

The minister did express concern over Nigeria’s historical struggles with power generation, noting that only 2,000 megawatts have been added to the national grid in the past 40 years, since 1984.

“With a population exceeding 200 million, celebrating a 5,000 MW milestone is sobering,” he said. “It took us nearly four decades to achieve this progress from our previous benchmark. When we took office, we had 4,000 MW, and we’ve now increased it to an average of 5,000 MW, peaking at 5,527 MW on September 3. However, we remain undeterred. If the last significant advancement was 50 years ago, the next one must begin now, and we need to take action.”